Aurora from the water is pure drama. Sailing out of Reykjavik into Faxafloi Bay, this tour focuses on real chances to catch the northern lights, with Wi-Fi and warm gear making the waiting more comfortable than you might expect.

I especially like the warm overalls, because you can stay outside longer without feeling like you are racing the cold. And if conditions are not right, you get a built-in second shot with a free ticket to sail again on the next available date.

One thing to keep in mind: the boat can feel crowded, and if the sea is rough, viewing can be less than perfect in the tight spots.

Quick Takeaways

• Faxafloi Bay sailing puts you out where the aurora has room to show.
• Warm overalls, onboard Wi-Fi, and restrooms keep your 2 to 3 hours from feeling like a misery test.
• Free rebooking ticket saves you from losing money if weather ruins the odds.
• Whales of Iceland is the backup plan, with a short film and guided tour.
• Northern Lights photography help happens both on the boat and again during the backup activity.
• Free photo downloads let you keep memories without hunting for perfect shots.

Aurora Chances From Reykjavik, Out in Faxafloi Bay

This is a Reykjavik northern lights experience designed around one simple idea, go far enough from shore that the sky looks bigger and the aurora feels less like something you are peeking at.

You leave from the Geirsgata 11 meeting point, then head out into Faxafloi Bay for an approximately 2 hour (up to 2 to 3 hours total) search. The real value here is not only the boat ride, it is the way the tour is set up to keep momentum even when the aurora does not cooperate right away.

Even better, the experience is weather-dependent in the right way. That means you are not just standing around hoping. The staff are actively watching conditions, and when they give guidance, you are meant to follow it quickly to maximize your window.

What You Get on Board: Warm Overalls, Wi-Fi, Restrooms

Cold weather can make or break northern lights plans. The comfort level on this boat is built around the basics you actually need outdoors, warm overalls and real place to step inside when you want.

On board, you get:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Warm overalls
• Restrooms
• A snack bar (snacks and drinks are not included, but you can buy things)

That onboard snack bar matters more than it sounds. In practice, being able to grab a hot drink or snack while you wait keeps the experience from turning into a constant cold-weather negotiation. And Wi-Fi is a nice perk for quick map checks, messaging, or just keeping everyone calm while the crew watches the sky.

The boat experience also gets described as comfortable and well maintained, which helps when the water gets rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, I would still plan for some bumpiness, but at least you are not stuck in a bare-bones situation.

When the Lights Start, Go Up Fast

Northern lights look best when you are in the right place, and timing matters. One clear tip shows up strongly from real-world feedback: when the crew sees activity starting, they tell you to move up top right away.

So here is the practical takeaway for you. When instructions come, do not treat them like optional suggestions. Get to the spot the crew points out, then stay there long enough to let your eyes adjust. Auroras can brighten in bursts, and those bursts often feel dramatic once your eyes stop fighting the darkness.

If the weather is calm, the experience can feel smooth and easy. If the sea is less cooperative, the ride can get bumpy and the viewing spot can feel tight. Either way, having overalls makes it easier to tolerate the moment-long extremes.

Why the Backup Plan at Whales of Iceland Is a Smart Move

The strongest reason to consider this tour is the backup plan that does not waste your evening.

If conditions are not suitable for seeing the aurora, you are signed up for an alternative activity automatically. That alternative is a visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibit, which turns a weather disappointment into something useful and genuinely interesting.

The backup activity includes:

• Entry to Whales of Iceland
• A Northern Lights drink
• A short film
• A guided tour
• A short northern lights photography workshop as part of the back-up plan

What I like about this setup is that it gives you structure. You are not stuck thinking, maybe it will clear later, maybe it won’t. Instead, you get a warm indoor plan with guided context, plus a workshop that connects directly to the thing you were hoping to photograph outside.

It also makes the tour feel less like a roll of the dice and more like a two-part program. Even on nights when the sky is stubborn, you still leave with new things to look at and better odds on your next try.

Photography Help and Free Photo Downloads

Northern lights are tricky to photograph. They move fast, the colors shift, and night photography can turn frustrating fast if you are underprepared.

This tour includes photography guidance in a practical way. During the main experience, the crew shares tips for viewing and capturing the lights. And if you end up at Whales of Iceland for the backup, you still get a short photography workshop as part of that indoor program.

Then there is the extra value add: pictures are taken on every boat tour, and you can download them for free after your experience. That is not just a nice touch, it helps because it removes the pressure to get a perfect shot yourself. You can focus on watching, then come home with at least one or two solid images.

Comfort, Timing, and Group Size: What It Feels Like in Real Life

This is not a private sailing. It can involve a fairly large group, with a maximum of 198 travelers. That number matters because it shapes the vibe on the deck.

One common downside that comes through is crowding. If you prefer a lot of space to spread out, you might find the viewing areas tight, especially inside where seating can feel limited. You can also feel the difference between people who instantly move up top when advised, and people who wait to figure out what is happening.

The upside is that the crew runs a focused operation. Check in is described as smooth, and tours that go well tend to start and end promptly. That matters in Reykjavik, because you do not have time to waste if you are trying to pack multiple winter activities into a short stay.

If you are sensitive to tight spaces or you get motion discomfort easily, I would plan your expectations around comfort. The overalls, restrooms, and onboard options do help, but the deck is still a deck during a popular northern lights run.

Price and Value: Does $83.88 Make Sense?

At $83.88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to chase the aurora in Reykjavik. But it also does not feel overpriced for what is included.

Here is what you get that changes the value equation:

• Warm overalls included
• Free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and access to a snack bar
• A guaranteed alternative activity if aurora conditions are not suitable
• The backup includes a full guided museum-style experience plus a short film
• Free photos download from the boat experience
• A free ticket to sail again if conditions do not allow the boat sailing

That combination is what makes the price feel reasonable. You are paying for more than movement on the water. You are paying for an operations plan built around Icelandic weather realities, plus indoor backup time that actually fills your evening.

Also, this tour is often booked about 54 days in advance on average. That suggests it stays on a lot of people’s must-do lists, so if your travel dates are fixed, booking earlier is a smart move.

Who Should Book This Boat Aurora Plan

This tour fits best if you want a balance of action and backup.

You will likely enjoy it if:

• You want the thrill of searching for the northern lights from the water
• You like having a plan for bad sky conditions without scrambling last minute
• You care about photography tips and want free photos afterward
• You are comfortable with a shared group experience and a busy deck

You might want a different style of tour if:

• You dislike crowds and want a lot of personal space
• You struggle with bumpy boat rides and prefer calmer, smaller-group setups
• You are mainly interested in sitting still indoors, because even with the backup plan, the core is the sailing search

Tips to Maximize Your Odds and Your Comfort

If you want the best chance of enjoying this tour from start to finish, focus on what you can control.

First, when activity starts, move fast to where the crew directs you. That early positioning can make the difference between seeing a faint glow and catching a fuller display.

Second, wear your base layers and treat the overalls as part of a system, not a magic spell. The overalls help a lot, but your comfort still improves when you dress in warm, sensible layers.

Third, be ready for changing conditions. Icelandic nights can shift quickly. Sometimes the sea is calm and the sky behaves. Sometimes it is rough and the aurora stays elusive. This tour is built to keep you busy either way, so lean into that mindset.

Finally, consider how you will use your time. If you are pairing this with other winter activities in Reykjavik, plan for a packed evening. The tour runs about 2 to 3 hours, then you are back at the meeting point.

Should You Book Northern Lights by Boat With a Backup Plan?

I think this is a good booking when you want a northern lights experience that respects Iceland weather.

The big selling points for you are warm included gear, a strong chance of seeing the aurora from Faxafloi Bay, and a backup plan that does not feel like punishment. Whales of Iceland turns a no-lights night into something structured, guided, and connected to photography, and you still come out with a free rebooking ticket if conditions prevent the boat sailing.

If crowds and tight viewing spaces would annoy you, then this may not be your ideal match. But if you can handle a shared deck and you value the built-in recovery plan, this one is hard to beat for the money.

FAQ

How long is the northern lights boat tour?

The tour runs about 2 hours, and the overall duration is listed as approximately 2 to 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

It costs $83.88 per person.

What is included on the boat?

You get warm overalls, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and access to a snack bar. Snacks and food are not included, but they can be purchased on board.

What happens if the northern lights are not visible?

If conditions are not suitable, you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland.

What is the backup activity at Whales of Iceland?

The backup includes entry to Whales of Iceland, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. It also includes a short northern lights photography workshop.

Do I get free photos from the experience?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every boat tour and you can download them free of charge.

Is there a free ticket if conditions do not allow sailing?

Yes. If conditions are not suitable to sail, you receive a free ticket to join the boat tour on the next available date.

Where is the meeting point, and where does the tour end?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and ends back at the meeting point.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be added for an additional cost directly with the supplier.

What is the cancellation rule, and what if weather cancels it?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.